Beckham to Orbit Out of Galaxy

On Monday night, the Galaxy announced that the much-laurelled English midfielder won’t be returning to the team next year. The December 1 MLS Cup final will be his last competitive game for Los Angeles.

“I’ve had an incredibly special time playing for the L.A. Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career,” Beckham, 37, said in a statement. “I don’t see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future.” (Beckham’s original contract with the league had a clause allowing him to purchase an MLS franchise following his retirement, although the New York and Los Angeles markets are excluded.)